I am passionate about advancing social justice and equity. This passion led me from nursing, over psychology and to a doctorate in Health Sciences many years later. I am proud to have achieved this milestone and I look forward to wherever my passion will lead me next.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

With its focus on health equity and critical health policy, the Faculty of Health Sciences at SFU was a natural fit with my interests.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

I examined how contractual approaches in health care hinder and/or advance equity in mental health from the perspective of urban Indigenous provider organizations in BC. For example, how do current contractual arrangements fit with such concepts as culturally safe care, holistic understandings of mental health and Indigenous determinants of mental health and well-being? The findings of this research show that what matters is not only how much funding is provided but also how funding is distributed, accessed and contractual accountability relationships are articulated. To use contracting as an equity-promoting tool, funders must be understand and address the ways in which current best practices in contracting unwittingly place Indigenous organizations and the people they serve at risk of harm. A number of recommendations are put forward. 

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

My supervisors and the excellent support staff.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

Yes. As a doctoral student I received external (CIHR) and internal funding. I can truly say that my research would not have been possible without these supports.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

I want say thank you to my supervisors, Marina Morrow, Vicki Smye, Josee Lavoie and John O'Neil. Bill Mussell and Nadine Caplette who mentored me. And all the participants in this study who made this work possible.

Contact Viviane: vha1@sfu.ca